Millions upon millions of pounds are invested into the design and development of Formula 1 cars. They’re highly-specialised machines, but must also be terrific generalists and perform at a consistent level in all sorts of conditions – high downforce, low downforce, dry, and wet weather. And, as the calendar continues to expand against its more manageable scope from 10-20 years ago, there’s an even greater variance in climates and circumstances.
But can they do it on a cold Saturday night in Las Vegas? Ever since winter testing at Barcelona was discontinued in favour of warmer, wealthier ambiences, the modern machines seldom get opportunities to run on sub-20C asphalt. Add to that the idiosyncrasies of a street circuit, and one can understand the challenges presented by the Vegas circuit.
